Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony ULT Wear
Buy the WH-1000XM6 if you want the best noise cancelling, the most detailed sound and LDAC hi-res audio; it costs $189.90 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026. Buy the ULT Wear if bass and budget matter more; it costs $99.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, roughly $90 less. The XM6 is the better headphone, but the ULT Wear is the better value.
Today the Sony ULT Wear costs $89.91 less at its best price.
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Sony WH-1000XM6
3.1Choose the WH-1000XM6 if you fly often, want the strongest noise cancelling Sony makes, or listen to hi-res audio over LDAC.
- Top-tier adaptive noise cancelling with 12 microphones
- LDAC and LE Audio for hi-res wireless
- 30 h with NC on, 40 h off, plus 3-minute quick charge
- Six-mic beamforming for clear calls
What separates them
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony ULT Wear | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Nov 3, 2026) | $189.90 at Walmart | $99.99 at eBay |
| Noise cancelling | QN3 processor, 12 mics, adaptive optimizer | Active NC, no dedicated processor listed |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, LE Audio, Auracast | Bluetooth, codecs not listed |
| Battery life | 30 h with NC on, 40 h off | 30 h |
| Quick charge | 3 minutes gives up to 3 hours | Not listed; full charge 3.5 h |
| Bass control | Tuned flat by mastering engineers | ULT1 and ULT2 bass modes |
| Weight | 1.5 lb | Not listed |
| Ratings |
Price history
- Sony WH-1000XM6: lowest $189.90 on Nov 3 at Walmart.
- Sony ULT Wear: lowest $79.99 on Nov 2 at PayMore Spartanburg; $99.99 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
Sony WH-1000XM6
- WalmartNew
In stockSold by Seller
$189.90Free shippingObserved at 3:37 PM - Macy'sNew
In stock
$378.00Free shippingObserved at 3:37 PM - SweetwaterNew
In stock
$378.00Free shippingObserved at 3:37 PM - B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew
In stock
$378.00Free shippingObserved at 3:37 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- Electronic ExpressCheck price at Electronic Express
- BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA
Specs compared
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Canceling | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless |
| With Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver, Olive Gr… | Black, Off-White, Forest Gray |
| Style | On-ear | On-ear |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Over-Ear | Yes | Yes |
| Height | 10.11″ tall | 10.3″ tall |
| Width | 7″ wide | 8.08″ wide |
| Battery life | 30 h | 30 hours |
| Brand |
What reviewers say
Sony WH-1000XM6
Reviewers describe the WH-1000XM6 as comfortable headphones with good sound quality, including strong bass, and excellent call quality on both ends. Noise canceling is also singled out as a strength.
- Comfort
- Sound quality
- Bass response
- Noise canceling and call quality
Sony ULT Wear
Owners rate it around 4.5 out of 5 across roughly 1,900 ratings, mostly for bass output and ANC value. Complaints center on weight, plasticky feel and muddy sound before EQ.
- Punchy bass from the ULT button
- Strong ANC for the price
- Long battery life
- Comfortable ear pads for long wear
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancelling?
- The WH-1000XM6. Its QN3 processor drives 12 microphones and adapts to air pressure and fit. The ULT Wear has active NC but no comparable processor.
- Is the WH-1000XM6 worth $90 more?
- Yes if you fly often or want LDAC and hi-res audio. If you mainly want bass for casual listening, the ULT Wear covers that for less.
- Which has more bass?
- The ULT Wear, by design. Its ULT1 and ULT2 modes boost low end hard. The XM6 is tuned flatter and more accurate.
- How long does each battery last?
- Both are rated 30 hours. The XM6 reaches 40 hours with noise cancelling off and adds 3 hours from a 3-minute charge.
- Which is better for calls?
- The WH-1000XM6. Its six-microphone AI beamforming isolates your voice, and you can mute by tapping the headphones.
- Which is better for the gym?
- Neither is water resistant. The ULT Wear is listed for sports use, but sweat protection is not rated on either.
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